Located within Assiniboine Park, this year-round zoo, which opened in 1904, was taken over by the Assiniboine Park Conservancy in 2008. The Assiniboine Park Zoo has it all: bison, birds, tigers, kangaroos, horses, turtles and prehistoric-looking animals called a muskok.

But the exhibit that shines the most at this Winnipeg zoo is the 10-acre Journey to Churchill exhibit. Churchill is a town in Northern Manitoba best known for its polar bear population and the exhibit mimics an expedition to the frozen tundra. The zoo is home to more than nine polar bears currently, most of which were rescues from the Churchill area. When polar bear cubs become orphans in Churchill, their rate of survival is low, so the zoo rescues them and brings them to the amazing polar bear exhibit. The cubs and adults are separated into different areas, and there are land and water features for them to enjoy.

Families can check out the polar bears swimming from inside an overhead aquarium-type interpretive center. Other winter-weather animals like the artic fox, seals, wolves, snow owls and muskoxen can also be discovered along this journey and are most active during the winter months. There is even an indoor polar bear-themed playground (recommended for ages 6 to 12) with a giant slide and climbing structure and movie screen.

Hours

Summer: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Winter: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Cost

$11 for kids ages 3 to 12, $18 for kids ages 13 to 17 and $20 for adults

Dining

Concession stands and cafes can be found within the zoo. The Tundra Grill is located with the Journey to Churchill exhibit and offers a view of the polar bears while you eat.

Parking

Free parking is available in a lot in front of the zoo.